Alabama

Origin and History of the Chickasaw

The following tradition respecting the origin and history of this branch of the Chickasaw, is transmitted by their agent from the present location of the tribe, west of the Mississippi River. It has been obtained from the most authentic sources. The allegory of the dog and pole probably reveals the faith of this people in an ancient prophet, or seer, under whose guidance they migrated. The story of their old men, as it is now told, runs thus: By tradition, they say they came from the West; a part of their tribe remained in the West. When about to start … Read more

History of the Muskogee Indians

History of the Muskogee Indians: The following traditions and opinions of their origin, early history, and customs, are from the lips of Se-ko-pe-chi, (Perseverance) one of the oldest Creeks, now living in their new location west of the Mississippi. They were taken down from his narration, by Mr. D. W. Eakins, who was for some time a resident of the territory now occupied by them west of the state of Arkansas, and have been communicated in reply to the printed inquiries issued in 1847, respecting the History, Present Condition, and Future Prospects of the Indian Tribes of the United States.

Understanding the 1817 Reservation Roll

A help guide explaining the 1817 Reservation Roll of Cherokee Indians. The Reservation Roll is a listing of Cherokee Indians applying for a 640 acre tract in the East in lieu of removing to Arkansas.

Society of Mississippi Choctaw 1916

A sharp distinction is to be drawn between the Indians in Mississippi and the so-called Mississippi Choctaw “claimants.” The former are few in numbers and easily ascertainable, while the latter are numerous and scattered from Bayou Labatre, Alabama on the east to Mesa City, Arizona on the west. A number of these claimants are banded together in an organization known as “Society of Mississippi Choctaws.” Bayou Labatre, Alabama Sarah E. Bosarge Andrews Armenia Bosarge Andrews Claral Bosarge Akridge Bessie Golman Bosarge Amile Bosarge Hubert Bosarge Hubbard Bosarge John J. Briant George H. Briant Albert L. Demore Nora Wintzell Golman Mac … Read more

People of One Fire

Architect Richard Thornton is a member of an alliance of Creek, Choctaw and Seminole scholars, who over the past seven years have been intensely studying the heritage of the Muskogean peoples. The following articles written by him, most of them exclusively for AccessGenealogy, advance the findings of this group and Richard’s personal studies. These articles take a look at the Muskogean peoples like none other that can be found online. To study their heritage, and not to have at least read his writings, is to assume that we already know everything about this people.

Dumas Brief for Applicants

Charles von Weise Attorney at Law Tishomingo (Muskogee is crossed out) Ind. Ter. July 12, 1903 I was Principal Law Clerk of the Mississippi Choctaw Legal Department at the time the case of Scott S. Dumas et al. as MCR 4006 was decided and at that time I directed Charles M. Wrigley, one of the law clerks in my dept. to write a decision in said case, but first to prepare a brief of the evidence offered by the applicants for the purpose of proving an attempted compliance on the part of their ancestors. This brief I submitted to Mr. … Read more

Chickasaw Indians

The Chickasaw Indians, linguistically related to the Choctaw, were one of the main tribes of the Muskhogean group. Their ancestral location was northern Mississippi. As per tribal history, the Chickasaw believed they had come from the west and had once lived in northern Alabama. First encountered by Europeans under De Soto, the tribe was notably warlike. They were steadfast allies of the English during the colonization of North America. After the establishment of the American Government, land pressures led them to cede their territories and move to what is now Oklahoma between 1837 and 1847

Yuchi Indians

Yuchi Tribe. Significance unknown, but perhaps, as suggested by Speck (1909), from a native word meaning “those far away,” or “at a distance,” though it is also possible that it is a variant of Ochesee or Oeese, which was applied by the Hitchiti and their allies to Indians speaking languages different from their own. Also called: Ani’-Yu’tsl, Cherokee name. Chiska, probably a Muskogee translation of the name of one of their bands. Hughchee, an early synonym. Round town people, a name given by the early English colonists. Rickohockans, signifying “cavelanders” (Hewitt, in Hodge, 1907), perhaps an early name for a … Read more

Cooper Rolls

The Cooper Rolls are a Census Roll of Choctaw Families residing East of the Mississippi River and in the States of Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama made by Douglas H. Cooper, US Agent for Choctaws, in conformity with Order of Commissioner of Indian Affairs dated May the 23rd, 1855.

Menawa, Creek Warrior

Menawa, also known as Hothlepoya or “The Crazy War Hunter,” was a prominent Creek warrior and chief of the Oakfuskee towns along the Tallapoosa River in Alabama. Renowned for his daring feats and raids on the Tennessee frontier during the early settlement period, he was infamous for his horse-stealing expeditions. Over time, his reputation grew, and he became widely known and feared by settlers. With the influence of Tecumseh in 1811, Menawa’s role evolved from a marauder to a significant figure in the Creek War, ultimately earning the name Menawa, meaning “The Great Warrior.” His life was marked by numerous battles, including the pivotal Battle of Horseshoe Bend, and he continued to play a crucial role in Creek politics, advocating against further cessions of territory to the United States. Menawa’s legacy is one of fierce bravery, strategic prowess, and a complex relationship with both his Creek heritage and the encroaching American settlers.

Muskogee Indians

Yoholo-Micco. A Creek Chief, from History of the Indian Tribes of North America

The Muskogee, often referred to as the Creek tribe, are a Native American group whose name’s origin is uncertain, possibly deriving from Shawnee language referring to swampy ground. The Cherokee called them Ani’-Gu’sa, meaning “Coosa people,” and they were known by various names among different tribes. The Muskogee language belongs to the Northern division of the Muskhogean language family. Historically, the Muskogee inhabited areas from the Atlantic coast of Georgia to central Alabama, with numerous towns and villages. Their significant role in regional history includes interactions with European explorers and settlers, alliances, and conflicts, culminating in their forced relocation to Oklahoma in the 19th century. The Muskogee population has fluctuated over time, with early estimates in the thousands and later censuses reflecting both decline and dispersal. Their cultural and historical impact is notable, especially in the formation of political confederacies and mound-building traditions.

Alabama Indian Tribes

The following tribes at one time are recorded in history as having resided within the present state of Alabama. If the tribe name is in bold, then Alabama is the primary location known for this tribe, otherwise we provide the tribes specifics as it pertains to Alabama and then provide a link to the main tribal page.

State Recognized Tribes

The following is a list of Tribes that have been recognized by their respective states, but not by the Federal Government. Alabama Recognized Tribes Cherokees of SE Alabama P.O. Box 717 Dothan, AL 36302-0717 334-671-3658 Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama (North Alabama Cherokees) P.O. Box 1227 Scottsboro, AL 35768 205-228-4778 Echota Cherokee of Alabama P.O. Box 2128 Sylacauga, AL 35150 205-338-2080 Langley Band of Chickamogee Cherokee Indians in the Southeastern U.S. Alabama Machis Lower Creek Indian Rt 1 708 South John St New Brockton, AL 36351 Star Clan of Muskogee Creeks of Pike County P.O. Box 126 Goshen, AL 36035 334-484-3589 … Read more